Thrilling Action and Surprises in PAC-12 Week 8: Recap
Washington vs. Arizona State
In a thrilling matchup on Saturday night in Seattle, the Huskies faced an unexpected challenge from Arizona State, coming dangerously close to suffering a stunning upset. Although it was a humbling experience for Washington to be on the brink of defeat against a 1-5 team, this close call might be precisely what they needed. The Huskies have their sights set on a championship, and they must continue to improve in the coming weeks.
The game against Arizona State exposed some vulnerabilities in the Huskies' star, Heisman Trophy candidate Michael Penix Jr. While his talent for throwing a beautiful back shoulder fade is undeniable, he lacks the dual-threat capability that often keeps defensive coordinators awake at night. Opponents now have valuable insights on how to frustrate him.
Washington's defense had its hands full trying to contain Arizona State's unconventional offense, and even tougher challenges lie ahead. To secure a playoff spot, the Huskies might need to finish the season undefeated. However, with road games against USC and Oregon State and the possibility of a rematch with Oregon in the Pac-12 championship game, a formidable task lies ahead.
Oregon
It's difficult to argue that the Ducks should have an 8-0 record by now, a sentiment shared by many unbiased observers who witnessed the dramatic game against Washington. While Dan Lanning's bold decision to go for fourth downs may have backfired in that particular matchup, it's precisely this fearless attitude that makes Oregon a team to be reckoned with as we enter the critical stretch of the season.
Oregon boasts a balanced offense capable of generating explosive plays at will, a testament to their formidable offensive prowess. Under Lanning's guidance, the defense is showing signs of reaching peak form. All these elements combine to make the Ducks one of the most well-rounded teams in the nation.
With a favorable schedule ahead, the path to the Pac-12 title game in Las Vegas seems wide open for Oregon. Regardless of their opponent in that championship showdown, the Ducks are poised to be the favorites, ready for a shot at Pac-12 domination.
USC vs. Utah
On a recent Saturday night, the Trojans faced their familiar nemesis, Utah, and the result was sadly predictable. Utah's 34-32 victory at the Coliseum marked their fourth consecutive win over the Trojans, with the last three occurring under the leadership of Lincoln Riley. In this latest clash, Utah's offense, which had struggled throughout the season, suddenly found its rhythm, exposing some concerning issues for USC.
Throughout the season, the Utes had not rushed for more than 231 yards in a game, and that was against Weber State. However, against USC, they managed an impressive 247 rushing yards. It's worth noting that running the ball had been their strength, especially given the absence of their starting QB, Cam Rising, throughout the season. This performance left a strong impression that Utah is well-prepared for its move to the Big 12 next year.
But what about USC? The Trojans find themselves in a precarious situation, and it's uncertain if anyone within the program fully comprehends the extent of their troubles. There has been an expectation that the four Pac-12 schools departing for the Big Ten will bring new firepower to the conference, but USC's recent struggles cast doubt on that assumption.
Losing to the Utes has become a recurring theme under Lincoln Riley's leadership, reminiscent of their performances against teams like Notre Dame. USC appears to falter when confronted by physically imposing opponents. While USC's defense receives its share of criticism, the offensive line's struggles against formidable front sevens often go unnoticed. The Big Ten presents a formidable challenge, with teams similar to Utah and Notre Dame that are more than willing to engage the Trojans in physical battles. It remains to be seen whether USC, under Riley's tutelage, can adapt to this style of play.
